Indonesia's Human Rights Working Group along with the Indonesia Coalition for Burma concluded a two-day international conference with today’s release of the Jakarta Declaration on Burma.
The Jakarta Declaration implores “upon the governments and peoples of ASEAN to reject the Burmese regime’s constitutional referendum unless steps are taken to guarantee genuine popular participation and a meaningful and time-bound tripartite dialogue process.”
Signatories argue that Burma is a regional security concern for ASEAN as a deteriorating political process could lead to further social unrest and economic upheaval, which will in turn exacerbate population flows across international borders and abet in the regional trafficking of drugs and crime.
As part of the Declaration, several recommendations for actions needed to be undertaken by ASEAN, the Burmese junta and wider international community are put forward.
The called for steps include provisions for United Nations and ASEAN monitoring of any forthcoming referendum or election, a nationwide ceasefire, the release of all political prisoners, observance of the freedom of expression, a United Nations Security Council global arms embargo and observation of existing Security Council Resolutions.
Additionally, the Jakarta Declaration asks that ASEAN be allowed to establish an official enquiry into last September’s crackdown on mass protests and that ASEAN governments adhere to their international responsibilities with regard to asylum seekers.
The manifesto also appeals to the junta to permit permanent in-country representation of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) and that international funding institutions instigate a long-term economic relief and development program for the impoverished country.
Those parties to the Declaration insist that Indonesia can occupy a “key role” in seeing through reform in Burma.
During the 1990s Indonesians witnessed a transition from a one-party state to multi-party democracy; though not always peaceful or without hurdles, it is commonly held as a success.
Participants to the conference met under the heading of: “The Role of ASEAN Civil Society in Supporting Human Rights and Democracy in Burma.
